Blanchard signs with Tampa Bay, will not return to JSU

Coty Blanchard‘s career as a Jacksonville State Gamecock has ended. According to the Anniston Star, Blanchard has signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, and will not return to school.

“I couldn’t ever bring back the memories I had during my three years of college, and if I could ever do it again I would,” Blanchard told the paper. “I’m just thankful and blessed to be in this position right now. I couldn’t have done it without my family and the people at Jacksonville State. We’re just happy to be here and move forward.”

Blanchard signed a five-year contract with the Rays, according to the Cherokee County Herald. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The former two-sport star won’t have any time off. Today, he heads to West Virginia to join the Rays rookie team, whose season gets underway on Thursday. Blanchard adds he thinks the Rays expect him to play second base.

Jacksonville State will likely turn to Minnesota transfer Max Shortellto take over at quarterback this season. Shortell was a second-string quarterback for the Golden Gophers, and is immediately eligible thanks to FBS to FCS transfer rules.